It's New Year's Eve and I am thinking about what that means to me. To be honest, as I grow older, I am coming to realize that holidays are like a double-edged sword. While there is a joyful, celebratory side to look forward to, holidays seem to come with a lot of stress and anxiety. I am feeling a bit like that on New Year's Eve. Like I am on the brink, balancing between the cheerful party atmosphere that is December 31, and the bleak and demanding abyss that may be January 1. It's like BOOM, the happy holidays and season's greetings are OVER. Now it's time to think about taxes and resolutions and getting back to work. BLAH. And don't get me started on the Mayan calendar and all the doomsday predictions for 2012. I feel my blood pressure rising.
In my head, I know that while we, as a society, place more importance upon certain days, the truth is that we don't have to buy into any of the hype or be influenced by the meaning attributed to New Year's Day (or any other holiday, for that matter). Take what you want from it, walk away from the rest. It has to feel true and right for you. So for me, I know that tomorrow will be a new day just as all my days have been new days at one point in time. And I know that I don't have to make resolutions on January 1, just because it marks the beginning of a calendar year; I can make resolutions at any time in my life if I feel moved and determined to do so. And I can change the channel when those doomsday programs come on (I've seen too many already). They've probably already left some negative indelible mark on my psyche, and that's no good! But, unfortunately, I do have to pay taxes, however I don't have to stress over it or do anything about it on January 1.
In the meantime, I've discovered/rediscovered some thoughtful quotes to reflect on as I greet not only a new year, but also each new day. Maybe you'll find them helpful, too. In each quote I have found a truth and a positive message. I think you'll agree that the authors were exceptional individuals who shared their gifts and insights with the world.
I wish you a happy New Year and many happy days to come!
Well said. I loved your thoughts on doomsday…enough already!!! Enough of the fear mongering. Staying true to ourselves, and recognizing that we each possess a compass…. helps to stay the course. Be well, Brenda.
I agree with you. With so much distraction around us, we forget that we can tap into our intuition and own good sense to guide us. Instead, we can be so reactive to everything we see and hear, especially coming from the media.
Of course, the beginning of a new year (especially 2012) provides a timely opportunity for people to talk about doomsday prophecies and the uncertainty our (shared) future.
For example, I really like the History Channel – it's one of the channels I'll check out when I first turn on the television. But History Channel 2 (H2) has put together a week-long schedule entitled "Armageddon Week". Now, I have seen some of the programs in this line-up before – they're nothing new. H2 is probably just capitalizing on the time of the year to re-use these shows. I get that. And they're not the only network showing this type of programming right now.
At the same time, I think watching program after program of this nature can be so negative to the human spirit. I know that it is my choice to watch or not watch, so that's not an issue. However, I do wonder about what impact is felt when people see images of apocalyptic death and destruction so frequently, especially in a sensationalized manner. My belief is that while the subject matter and the images may be entertaining to consider, they probably promote a lot of anxiety and fear, even on the subconscious level.
Brenda, thanks for your comment! I wish you health and happiness!